Rookie running back Carlos Hyde starts in place of Frank Gore

Updated 11:42 pm, Thursday, August 7, 2014

On Wednesday, rookie running back Carlos Hydewas told he'd get the ball on the 49ers' first offensive play Thursday.

That information had the second-round pick up late running through different scenarios.

"I actually was up thinking about it," Hyde said. "I was picturing it in my head. How would this run hit? Will I take it to the house my first one? Will I get stopped for negative yards my first carry?"

As it turns out, Hyde had a 7-yard run up the middle, which jump-started his impressive and brief NFL debut in the 49ers' 23-3 loss to the Ravens in their preseason opener. In two series, the 235-pound Hyde had 39 yards on five carries, a performance highlighted by a 19-yard scamper around left end on a game-opening field-goal drive.

Hyde started in place of Frank Gore, who went through warm-ups but didn't play in the exhibition opener for the third straight season. Hyde, Jewel Hampton, Alfonso Smith and recently signed Glenn Winston, who didn't play, were the only available running backs.

Hyde's lone regret: He didn't play more. He even regretted missing a chance to play on special teams, a duty he handled at Ohio State.

"I'm a big competitor, man, so I never want to get out of the game," he said. "I just always want to be in there competing and scratching and fighting for extra yards. ... I thought I would play a little more than what I did, but that's not the case. We're down running backs right now, so we have to be cautious."

Dialed in: Defensive tackle Quinton Dial, a potential replacement for Glenn Dorsey(torn biceps) at nose tackle, opened the preseason auspiciously. Dial had a game-high 10 tackles and two forced fumbles, one of which the 49ers recovered.

Part of Dial's high tackle total was a result of his extensive playing time. The 49ers finished the game with just four healthy defensive linemen after Demarcus Dobbsand Lawrence Okoyeleft with ankle injuries.

Defensive tackle Tank Carradine (eight tackles, sack) estimated he played 40 snaps, about 20 more than he expected. His plan for the 49ers' off day Friday? "(Get in) an ice-cold tub," he said.

Dobbs walked to the locker room without a limp after the game. Okoye insisted his injury was "nothing serious," but needed assistance walking in the locker room.

In other injury news, wide receiver Chuck Jacobssaid he only had a hyperextended right knee after he was carted to the locker room.